In his new book, retired catcher Mike Piazza is open and honest about the use of performance-enhancing substances. (Jeff Topping/Reuters/Files)

Mike Piazza showed a lot of pop in his bat during his MLB playing days, but the power-hitting catcher denies ever using steroids in his autobiography, which is being released next week.

In excerpts of the book titled "Long Shot," obtained by the New York Times, Piazza appears to be open and honest about the use of performance-enhancing substances.

"It shouldn't be assumed that every big hitter of the generation used steroids," Piazza wrote. "I didn't."

Piazza did, however, admit to taking androstenedione -- a steroid hormone that was sold as a dietary supplement -- until controversy stemmed from Mark McGwire's use of it and MLB's subsequent move to ban it.

He also used amphetamines on occasion until they were banned in 2006.

During his time with the New York Mets, Piazza looked into human growth hormone but decided not to use it after team trainer Fred Hina advised against it.

Piazza, a 12-time all-star, batted .308 in his career over 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, Mets, San Diego Padres and Oakland A's. He has the all-time record for home runs by a catcher with 396 and OPS with .922.